There are two main types of marriages: Civil or Religious. Civil and religious marriages can be celebrated in Spain for people over 18. Both have different requirements. For example, with a Civil marriage you will need to make an application to the Civil Registry, District Court or Town Hall where the marriage is to be held.
An application for marriage in Spain will usually involve lots of paperwork and applicants should bear this in mind to organize their wedding in advance.
ROMAN CATHOLIC MARRIAGES
These are a matter for the local Archbishop in the area of the forthcoming marriage and, in general, a baptism certificate and a statutory declaration by the parents of the English party to the effect that their son/daughter is single, is required. Formalities do, however, vary from parish to parish and the requirements should be checked well in advance with the local priest.
Remember that in order to get married in Spain all the English paperwork, documents or certificates required need to be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
CIVIL MARRIAGES
Formalities may vary and applicants should check which documents are finally needed. In general you need the following documentation.
- Birth certificate
- Passport, Consular registration Certificate
- Consular Certificate of No Impediment to the marriage
- If applicable an original death certificate
- If applicable original divorce decree
- All English documents have to bear the Hague Apostille on them. Further information on www.fco.gov.uk/legislation
- Sworn translation into Spanish of all English documents and also the Apostille in order to submit the requested paperwork to the Spanish authorities prior to the wedding.
A notice of intention to marry is displayed on a Consular notice board for 21 days. The can only be accepted if the applicant has been residing for a 21 day period in the area where the notice is displayed.
If proof of UK residence is needed, a letter can be obtained from the local Electoral Registration Office.
If you need all your wedding documents translated into Spanish by a sworn translator, do not hesitate to contact us with a scanned copy of all the requested paperwork and you will have all your documents translated into Spanish, stamped and signed by a sworn translator and posted to your address in Spain within a couple of days. Yes, that quick! Because we know that this is a very important date for you and we do not want you to waste any time.
We can also help you find a wedding planner in the area of Orihuela Costa (Alicante) or even in the Costa Blanca so they can organize your wedding in Spain with no stress for you.